This biology course is a study of various life forms and their interdependence. Note-taking, class discussions and participation, audio-visual materials, laboratory work and critical thinking all play an integral part in this class along with regular homework and study.
EXPECTED MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY
Characteristics of Living Things Cell Structure and Function Heredity & Genetics Life Changes Over Time Classification Living Things and Their Environment Interaction Among Living Things Support and Movement Nutrition and Digestion Transport in the Body Respiration and Excretion Control and Regulation Reproduction and Development
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
1. Be Respectful at All Times.
Thisclassroom will be a safe learning environment for all peopleregardless of their gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and class (both economic and academic). As a result, language or behavior that is disrespectful to others will not be tolerated. Any violations of this rule will involve consequences.
Lab equipment is a privilege. All equipment should be treated with respect and care. Lab equipment must be cleaned and put away before you leave class. Additionally, lab materials should not be used without the permission or instruction of your teacher. Lab safety rules must be followed at all times.
2. Do NOT be Disruptive in Class.
You are expected to behave in a mature manner that promotes an active and engaging learning environment. Any activity that disrupts and hinders the learning process will not be tolerated. Please:
ØDo NOT use electronic devices (i.e., cell phones, PDAs, iPods, iTouchs, etc.).
These devices must be turned OFF and put out of sight. Failure to do so may result in the device being taken away.
ØDo NOT make aggressive physical contact (pushing, hitting, kicking, etc.).
ØDo NOT leave the classroom without permission.
3. Be Responsible.
Come prepared. Please bring your notebook with dividers, paper, and a pencil or pen every day. Without these items your participation in class is severely limited.
Work must be handed in on time.
ØAll late homework assignments, labs, projects, etc. will receive only partial credit.
ØEach day the assignment is late will result in a 10% grade reduction. For example, if you earn 90% on an assignment that is one day late, then your grade becomes 80%.
All work submitted must be your own. Do NOT cheat or plagiarize! Plagiarism, as defined by the NNHS Faculty Handbook, is “the improper use of, or failure to give credit to, another person’s writing, visual, or musical representation, or ideas. It can be an act as subtle as inadvertently neglecting to use quotation marks or references when using another source or as blatant as knowingly copying an entire paper, or parts of a paper, and claiming it as your own.” Failure to follow this rule leads to some severe consequences. First offense: meet with the Housemaster; call home; zero for the assignment; not on permanent record. Second offense: meet with the Housemaster; call home; zero for assignment; disciplinary action; will be on permanent record.
Communication is key. If you are having trouble understanding something, then ask for help. It is in your best interest to use class time wisely. However, if you cannot get your questions answered during class, then come see me outside of class. I am available during Resource Rooms, X-blocks on Thursday afternoons and by appointment during the school day.
4. Be In Class and On Time.
§The first step towards success is simply showing up. Class attendance is very important. If you miss a class, then you are not participating.
§Tardiness is unacceptable! Once I have started taking attendance, class has started. If you arrive after I have passed your name on the attendance list, you will be considered tardy.
ØIf you arrive to class more than 1 minute late without a pass, then you will owe time and you will be marked “Tardy-Unexcused”.
ØIf you arrive to class so late that you missed 50% or more of the period, then you will no longer be "Tardy-Unexcused" but rather you will be marked "Absent-Unexcused."
ØIf you reach 4 tardies within a single term, I will send a warning home to your parents.
ØIf you reach 9 tardies, then you will receive an "N" on your report card with your letter grade behind it. Please review the N-Rule in the Student Handbook.
ØLastly, if you must be late, make sure you have a valid pass.
§There are serious consequences when you "cut" a class. If you miss a day of class due to an unexcused absence, you earn a zero for all materials covered in class that day.
ØIf you cut class on the day of a test or quiz, then the test or quiz grade will result in a ZERO with no chance for make up.
ØIf you cut class on the day of a lab, then you must come within the week to make up the lab work; you will not be allowed to simply copy another student's data. However, not all labs can be made up due to a variety of reasons. If this happens, then you will be given a research assignment of equal value.
ØRemember the Newton N Rule: “In a class that meets four times a week the third unexcused absence or the ninth absence, excused or unexcused, means the student receives an N = No Credit for the term.”
§You are responsible for all missed work. If you are absent, you are responsible for getting the work that you have missed. Upon return to class, you must see me to get the missing work before and/or after class or school. It is not appropriate to ask for missing work during class.
ØMake-up work due to excused absences:
You have 2 days to make up an assignment.
You have 5 days to make up a test and a lab. (Remember, some labs cannot be made up – if this happens, you will be given a research assignment of equal value.)
IMPORTANT: If you are absent the day before a test or quiz that has been announced, then you are still responsible for taking that test or quiz with your class upon your return.
GRADING POLICY
Grading is based on a weighted system:
Quizzes 30%
Tests, Labs, & Projects 40%
Each unit has at least one lab.
There is homework most nights.
Participation is based on a variety of different things. I will be looking at how well you: work in groups, follow lab safety procedures, behave in the classroom, ask questions during discussions, come prepared to learn, and arrive on time.
Homework 20%
Participation 10%
Letter grades are determined by the following overall percent averages:
94-100 A 87-89 B+ 77-79 C+ 67-69 D+ 59 and below F 90-93 A- 83-86 B 73-76 C 63-66 D 80-82 B- 70-72 C- 60-62 D-
LABORATORY Science labs contain many things including expensive equipment and various chemicals. Because of this, along with the school policies, a separate “Laboratory Safety Agreement” must be signed by both student and parent and returned to the teacher before the student will be allowed to do lab work.
PROGRESS UPDATES & COMMUNICATION
Warnings are issued half way through each term to students in danger of failing.
Report cards are available four (4) times a year.
Any concerns will be discussed with the student, counselor, director, and/or parents/guardian on an as-needed basis.
Anything On This Sheet Is Subject To Change At The Teacher’s Discretion.
Teacher: Erika Guarino
Room: 366
Teacher Email: erika_guarino@newton.k12.ma.us
This biology course is a study of various life forms and their interdependence. Note-taking, class discussions and participation, audio-visual materials, laboratory work and critical thinking all play an integral part in this class along with regular homework and study.
EXPECTED MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY
Characteristics of Living Things
Cell Structure and Function
Heredity & Genetics
Life Changes Over Time
Classification
Living Things and Their Environment
Interaction Among Living Things
Support and Movement
Nutrition and Digestion
Transport in the Body
Respiration and Excretion
Control and Regulation
Reproduction and Development
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
1. Be Respectful at All Times.
- This classroom will be a safe learning environment for all people regardless of their gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and class (both economic and academic). As a result, language or behavior that is disrespectful to others will not be tolerated. Any violations of this rule will involve consequences.
- Lab equipment is a privilege. All equipment should be treated with respect and care. Lab equipment must be cleaned and put away before you leave class. Additionally, lab materials should not be used without the permission or instruction of your teacher. Lab safety rules must be followed at all times.
2. Do NOT be Disruptive in Class.3. Be Responsible.
- Come prepared. Please bring your notebook with dividers, paper, and a pencil or pen every day. Without these items your participation in class is severely limited.
- Work must be handed in on time.
- Ø All late homework assignments, labs, projects, etc. will receive only partial credit.
- Ø Each day the assignment is late will result in a 10% grade reduction. For example, if you earn 90% on an assignment that is one day late, then your grade becomes 80%.
- All work submitted must be your own. Do NOT cheat or plagiarize! Plagiarism, as defined by the NNHS Faculty Handbook, is “the improper use of, or failure to give credit to, another person’s writing, visual, or musical representation, or ideas. It can be an act as subtle as inadvertently neglecting to use quotation marks or references when using another source or as blatant as knowingly copying an entire paper, or parts of a paper, and claiming it as your own.” Failure to follow this rule leads to some severe consequences. First offense: meet with the Housemaster; call home; zero for the assignment; not on permanent record. Second offense: meet with the Housemaster; call home; zero for assignment; disciplinary action; will be on permanent record.
- Communication is key. If you are having trouble understanding something, then ask for help. It is in your best interest to use class time wisely. However, if you cannot get your questions answered during class, then come see me outside of class. I am available during Resource Rooms, X-blocks on Thursday afternoons and by appointment during the school day.
4. Be In Class and On Time.GRADING POLICY
Grading is based on a weighted system:- Homework 20%
- Participation 10%
Letter grades are determined by the following overall percent averages:94-100 A 87-89 B+ 77-79 C+ 67-69 D+ 59 and below F
90-93 A- 83-86 B 73-76 C 63-66 D
80-82 B- 70-72 C- 60-62 D-
LABORATORY
Science labs contain many things including expensive equipment and various chemicals. Because of this, along with the school policies, a separate “Laboratory Safety Agreement” must be signed by both student and parent and returned to the teacher before the student will be allowed to do lab work.
PROGRESS UPDATES & COMMUNICATION
- Warnings are issued half way through each term to students in danger of failing.
- Report cards are available four (4) times a year.
- Any concerns will be discussed with the student, counselor, director, and/or parents/guardian on an as-needed basis.
Anything On This Sheet Is Subject To Change At The Teacher’s Discretion.